COVID 19

Mar 01, 2021 Timothy T. Coates Government Liability

County of Los Angeles Department of Health v. Superior Court (2021) 61 Cal.App.5th 478

In a published opinion, the Second District Court of Appeal has granted GMSR’s petition for a writ of mandate on behalf of the County of Los Angeles and its Health Officers. The Court reversed a superior court injunction barring the County from enforcing a Covid-19

Jan 12, 2021 Robin Meadow Arbitration, Mediation & Settlement

GMSR’s Robin Meadow authors article on successful navigation of judicial references

Judicial references are an attractive alternative to waiting behind the superior court’s Covid-19 backlog to get to trial. But there are traps for the unwary: Many practitioners do not know about some important legal aspects of references, and they often fail to appreciate what they

Nov 03, 2020 Cynthia E. Tobisman

Join us at the Women in Legal & Corporate Leadership Virtual Summit on Thursday, November 12th!

GMSR’s Cindy Tobisman is part of the Women in Legal & Corporate Leadership Virtual Summit! As part of this upcoming online event with the Los Angeles legal community, Cindy’s panel will discuss strategies to develop your career potential and redefining success in the age of

May 27, 2020 Laurie J. Hepler

A Moment of Gratitude

Two months ago, COVID-19 closed most of California’s civil court system—the largest in the world. And nearly all courts remain shuttered except for true emergencies. But there is one major exception: the appellate courts. Their work does not require large gatherings, and most of it can

Apr 22, 2020

Trial Court Statutory Filing Deadlines During The Pandemic

View Document There is no “business as usual” these days. Many California courts are open only for emergency functions, creating confusion if you have a statutory filing deadline. The stakes are high for jurisdictional deadlines, such as a notice of appeal or notice of intent

Apr 20, 2020

International Municipal Lawyers Association’s Mid-Year Seminar Proceeding as Virtual Event

GMSR Managing Partner Tim Coates will present virtually on April 23 as part of International Municipal Lawyers Association’s Mid-Year Seminar. His presentation addresses strategies for limiting attorney fee exposure through early case evaluation and settlement offers, and preparing effective opposition to fee motions.

Apr 14, 2020 Alana H. Rotter

Can You Hear Me Now?

Although some appellate courts have cancelled or postponed oral arguments in light of the current pandemic, others are forging ahead with arguments via phone or videoconference. Here are some pointers for arguing remotely: Find out in advance what platform the court will be using, and

Who We Serve

PUBLIC ENTITIES

Whether on appeal, assisting trial counsel, or advising government officials contemplating legislative action, GMSR provides unique insight into the complex laws that impact public entities.

INSURERS

Where coverage may exist, GMSR represents insureds on appeal effectively and efficiently. Where it does not, the firm protects insurers’ right to deny claims.

BUSINESSES

GMSR offers corporate clients objective assessments on appeal, based on a deep understanding of the limitations and opportunities of appellate review.

TRIAL COUNSEL

The firm’s lawyers are team players, collaborating with trial counsel at any level from legal strategy to writing or editing trial court motions and appellate briefs.

INDIVIDUALS

GMSR vigorously advocates the rights of individual plaintiffs and defendants, in both state and federal appellate courts.

COMMUNITY PRO BONO

As part of GMSR’s long-standing commitment to social justice and equality, GMSR provides pro bono appellate services to individuals and to community organizations on issues of concern.